The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a tough stretch, beginning with an NFC West matchup in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. This will be followed by another divisional showdown in Week 6 when they face the Seattle Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football.”
However, the 49ers may have to navigate these games without two key players. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, while hopeful, expressed uncertainty about the availability of tight end George Kittle (ribs) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) for the game against the Cardinals. Both missed their second consecutive practice on Thursday, as reported by ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Although Kittle and Warner were at practice in pads and helmets, they did not participate in individual drills with their position groups. Instead, they spent time running on the sidelines with other injured players, indicating their injuries are being carefully monitored.
In addition to Kittle and Warner, wide receivers Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley, defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles also missed practice.
#49ers Thursday participation:
DNP – LB Fred Warner, TE George Kittle, WR Jacob Cowing, WR Chris Conley, DL Yetur Gross-Matos, LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Limited – DT Jordan Elliott, S Talanoa Hufanga, DT Kevin Givens, LB Dee Winters, CB Isaac Yiadom
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 3, 2024
While Kittle and Warner are experienced veterans who could potentially play without significant practice time, the 49ers may opt to prioritize their long-term health over risking them in a game against the struggling Cardinals. With the season still in its early stages and the team looking strong, it seems unlikely that either player will be rushed back into action unless they’re fully fit.
